CHAPTER 14 

Finally the long-awaited day of the ball had arrived.

Meg tried to smile, staring at her face in the mirror once more. Not even the beautiful adornment she wore on her head was enough to cheer her up. She didn't feel like going to the ball at all. But Angelina was very adamant that this was what Martha would want her to do. That she should live!

To her misfortune, the first person she met at the event was Angelina who was impatiently checking the guest list.

"You look nice in your clothes," she said dismissively, "I'll let William know you're here."

Meg was about to say that there was no need to warn him, but before she could say anything, William came toward her, a cretinous grin on his face and a cigarette in his fingers. She had always found his behavior arrogant and superior. But lately he has been in good company.

“You look very pretty today, Miss Margaret," he said, smiling. “My parents are looking forward to meeting you”.

Meg was anxious to find James, sh